TAMPA, Fla. -- Aaron Hicks did not appear in either of Sunday's split-squad lineups as the outfielder continues to rest, having experienced back stiffness following Friday's 2-2 tie against the Orioles at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
The Yankees have a scheduled day off Monday, and manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence that Hicks could return to the lineup for Tuesday's exhibition against the Braves.
"He should be good to go," Boone said. "On my ride home last night, I knew he came in for treatment and was a little stiff. I just called him and said with the off-day, let's just [sit out]. He felt good today. I'm not anticipating any problem. He should be in there Tuesday."
Hicks, 29, agreed to a seven-year, $70 million extension earlier this spring, coming off a season in which he batted .248/.366/.467, while setting career highs in runs scored (90), hits (119), home runs (27), extra-base hits (48), RBIs (79) and walks (90).
Great escape
Pitching his first inning of the spring, Masahiro Tanaka was in hot water almost immediately, as the Tigers' Daz Cameron tripled over the head of center fielder Estevan Florial. Forced to work from the stretch position, Tanaka pinned the runner there, recording two strikeouts and a flyout.
"I got myself in trouble right there," Tanaka said through an interpreter. "I was trying to work on a couple of things. Just being able to execute enough to get out of that inning, I think it was a plus."
Tanaka worked three innings, permitting the one hit and no walks while striking out two. His first spring start had been washed out by rain.
"There are some adjustments that need to be made moving forward," Tanaka said. "I think I got lucky on some of the hard-hit balls and was able to come out of the game clean. Overall, I think it was a good start."
Harper's bazaar
The Yankees did not speak with Bryce Harper during his free agency, general manager Brian Cashman confirmed on Sunday, one day after the Phillies celebrated landing the outfielder with a record-setting 13-year, $330 million contract in a news conference at their spring home in Clearwater, Fla.
When the Padres announced that they had signed infielder Manny Machado to a 10-year, $300 million pact, Cashman held a lengthy session with reporters, stating how the team had decided to "try to be as diversified as we can" by spreading their available funds to fill several needs rather than only one. He is opting to let that explanation stand.
"I'm closing the chapter on these questions about high-end free agents from the wintertime," Cashman said. "I feel like we've vetted that enough. I'd rather focus on the here and now and the real, rather than unreal."
Coming off a 100-win campaign, no American League club was more active this winter than the Yankees, who are showcasing a winter haul that included the acquisitions or re-signings of Zack Britton, DJ LeMahieu, Brett Gardner, Adam Ottavino, James Paxton, CC Sabathia and Troy Tulowitzki. They have also negotiated extensions with Hicks and Luis Severino (four years, $40 million).
"We're up and running with what we've got," Cashman said. "We're excited by what we've got, and how a lot of it looks right now. We're hoping that's enough, but we're always looking to improve over the course of time if it's within certain parameters on both ends. Between now and Aug. 31, we'll continue to evaluate all opportunities."
Bombers bits
Clint Frazier was removed from Sunday’s game against the Blue Jays in Dunedin, Fla., after he was hit by a pitch. The ball struck Frazier's right forearm then his left hand. The Yankees said Frazier has a bruise.
Up next
Following a day off, the Yankees will return to action on Tuesday as they host the Braves in a 1:05 ET contest. Severino will make his first spring start for New York, opposed by right-hander Kyle Wright. Dellin Betances is also scheduled to make his spring debut. The game will be available on YES and MLB.TV.